What is Modal Response Spectrum Analysis?

June 29, 2021
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OVERVIEW

The Seismic Load Analysis Procedure has 16 processes and it is largely divided into 2 parts : Series 1 (Including Series 2 , 3 & 4) and Series 5 (Modal Response Spectrum (RS) Analysis.

The part we will look over today is Series 5 : Modal Response Spectrum (RS) Analysis.

 

Modal Response Spectrum(RS) Analysis

 

 

20_SERIES2_41

 

 

   Where

  ⋅ SDS = the design spectral response acceleration parameter at short periods

  ⋅ SD1 = the design spectral response acceleration parameter at a 1-sec period

  ⋅ T = the fundamental period of the structure, sec

  ⋅ T = 0.2(SD1/SDS )

  ⋅ TL  = long-period transition period(s) shown in Figs. 22-14 through 22-17

 

 

Basic Steps in RS Analysis

 

1. Compute modal properties for each mode

> Frequency (period), Shape, Modal participation factor, Effective modal mass

 

2. Determine number of modes to use in analysis

> Use a sufficient number of modes to capture at least 90% of total mass in each direction.

 

3. Compute spectral accelerations for each contributing mode

> Use a general spectrum.

 

4. Compute modified spectral accelerations

> Multiply spectral accelerations by modal participation factor and by (I/R).

 

5. Compute modal displacements for each mode

 

6. Compute element forces in each mode

 

7. Statistically combine modal displacements to determine system displacements

> SRSS or CQC

 

8. Statistically combine component forces to determine system displacements

> SRSS or CQC

 

9. Scale-up seismic load of RS

> If the design base shear based on modal analysis is less than 85% of the base shear(Equivalent Lateral force) computed using T=TaCu.

→ combination of modes must be scaled such that the base shear equals

0.85 times the equivalent lateral force.

 

10. Add accidental torsion

> As a static loading and amplify if necessary

 

11. Check story drift

> multiply the results of the modal analysis

(including the I/R scaling but not the 85% scaling) by Cd/I.

 

√ Table of Contents

1. The Setting of RS Analysis in nGen

2. Add Signs(+, -) to the Results

3. Analytical Modeling for RS Analysis

4. Calculation of Base Shear by RS Analysis

 


 

 

 

 

 

1. The Setting of RS Analysis in nGen

 

20_SERIES2_42-11. Click "Analysis Control" in "Analysis case" dialog box.

2. Select "Response Spectrum" in analysis type.

3. Select modal combination method. (use CQC generally).

4. Click "Method" button in damping control.

5. Modify damping ratio if necessary.

 

 

 

2. Add signs(+, -) to the Results


: Specify whether to restore the signs deleted during the mode combination and specify the restoration method.
 
20_SERIES2_43

Along the Major Mode Direction:  Restore the signs according to the signs(+, -) of the principal mode for every loading direction.
 
Along the Absolute Maximum Value: Restore the signs according to the signs of the absolute maximum values of the modal results.

 

 

 

20_SERIES2_4420_SERIES2_4520_SERIES2_46In both cases, the same design results can be obtained, but the sign(+,-) must be considered in order to find the actual member force.

 

 

 

 

3. Analytical Modeling for RS Analysis

 

• Use 3D analysis
For concrete structures, include the effect of cracking (consider a stiffness for cracked section).
For steel structures, include panel zone deformations.
• Include flexibility of foundation if well enough defined
• Include actual flexibility of diaphragm if well enough defined
• Include P-delta effects in the analysis if the program has the capability
• Do not try to include accidental torsion by the movement of the center of mass
• Include orthogonal load effects by running the fill 100% spectrum in each direction, and then SRSSing the results.

 

 

 

 

4. Calculation of Base Shear by RS Analysis

 

Generation of RS

 

20_SERIES2_47

 

 Base shear(x-dir) for example model

 

20_SERIES2_4820_SERIES2_50

 

 

 

𝑇=0.35574sec

 

So, Sa = SDS*Ie/R = 0.01728

         (red dotted line)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  V= W * Sa * Mass(%)

= 36817.5 * 0.01728 * 0.7089

= 451.01kN (just for 1st mode)

 

 

20_SERIES2_51

 

The form of downloadable white paper for the "Fundamentals of Seismic Load" is ready for you below!😉

 

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About Author
Yeong-il Seo | Principal Structural Engineer

Young-il has over 13+ years of experience in building design, especially high-rise buildings with column reduction analysis, plant structures, pushover analysis, health monitoring, and vibration control projects. Since 2016, he is planning and providing technical supports for midas building products such as midas Gen, nGen, and Design+.

E-BOOK Fundamentals of Seismic
Load

This material explains the procedure of seismic load analysis and provides the
structural insight of modal response spectrum analysis including irregularity
evaluation and base share calculation.